Kyle Khatchadourian
Staff Writer
Beach volleyball has forever been engrained in the culture and lifestyle of the South Bay. Volleyball is such an overwhelming presence in Hermosa Beach and the surrounding areas.
It makes sense that after many years of half-hearted recognition, Hall of Famers and those close to the beach volleyball community are finally receiving substantial recognition.
With help and sponsorship from the Hermosa Beach Historical Society, the California Beach Volleyball Association is working to build Hermosa Beach’s very own Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame. A list dedicated to the beach volleyball greats that have helped to build a leg of Hermosa’s beach culture will soon take residency in Hermosa Museum’s Beach Culture room.
“We have a section in the museum’s Beach Culture room that is designated for the Hall of Fame exhibit,” board member of HBHS Annie Seawright said. “There will be displays featuring volleyball memorabilia from the Hall of Famers and featuring beach volleyball history in the South Bay.”
“Since volleyball is such a popular sport with a lot of history in Hermosa Beach, the Hermosa Museum seemed like a perfect fit for the hall,” President of CVBA Chris Brown said. “We have a section in the museum’s Beach Culture room that is designated for the Hall of Fame exhibit and will include an interactive video screen where you can ask to see info on specific players and will show an interview and classic action footage of each player in their prime.”
In order to complete the Hall of Fame the CBVA needs a $10,000 budget. The association’s budget stands at $7,500 as of now, with revenue still coming in. The CBVA and the HBHS held a banquet/fundraiser on Nov. 18 where past inductees and locals united to celebrate the duo’s final push in hopes of accumulating the remaining $2,500 needed.
“We are working with the CBVA to build a Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame,” Seawright said.
The festivities at the banquet included 1960s and ‘70s cover songs, vintage footage of prior inductees and short clips of Terry Spragg’s movie, “Just Another California Day.” Spragg’s film highlighted the major beach volleyball tournaments and players that represented the beach volleyball scene during the 70s. In February, the Hall of Fame will continue to feature the film at the museum, located in the Hermosa Beach Communiy Center.
“Thankfully, we were able to interview a majority of past players and inductees at the event on Friday that we will be able to use for the exhibit,” Brown said. “There will also be displays that feature volleyball memorabilia from the Hall of Famers themselves and an immense collection of information about beach volleyball in the South Bay.”
The Hall of Fame is collecting donations from anyone who is interested in the history and love for volleyball and the local Hall of Famers. Checks should be sent to 25 21st Street, Hermosa Beach, and are greatly appreciated.
“We’re really close to reaching our goal and completing the Hall of Fame,” Brown said. “I’m hoping that once this project is complete, people will realize its monumental character that has been long overdue.”
Kristen
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